Infrastructure

The Cook Labor Government has today launched its Seven Cities vision for regional Western Australia - a long-term plan to unlock the next wave of regional economic development and deliver quality infrastructure and services throughout the State.

Under the Albanese Government’s new Strategic Reserve powers, a further 200 million litres of additional diesel for Australia has been secured, and work has commenced with leading fertiliser companies to secure more supply at this critical time in the growing season.

The BAAKA Board is very pleased to announce the appointment of Liane Wendt as the new Executive Director of the BAAKA Cultural & Arts Centre. Liane comes to Wilcannia from Derby in WA, where she led the Mowanjum Arts and Cultural Centre.

A free community event in Armidale next month will look at a question becoming increasingly important for regional Australia: what happens to renewable energy infrastructure when it reaches the end of its useful life? The event will explore the recycling, reuse and responsible disposal of renewable energy infrastructure, with a focus on rooftop solar panels, large-scale solar farms and, to a lesser extent, wind farm components.

The Finocchiaro CLP Government is delivering stronger, more reliable power for Alice Springs and Katherine, with an $82.1 million investment in battery energy storage. Territory Generation has awarded Pacific Energy a contract to deliver the next phase of the battery energy storage system (BESS) program.

Today, Australia and the UK have signed an Investment Partnership to further unlock superannuation and pension capital investment between our countries. This new agreement will help to secure more two-way investment in jobs and industries and strong returns for investors from both countries.

Carey Brennan. More than 100 farmers attended the recent VFF community meeting held by the St Arnaud branch on Thursday, April 9, to listen to legal experts speak about the effects of the new Victorian Treaty Act and the land acquisition procedures for transmission lines, all of which will adversely affect farmland in this district.

Club stalwart Steve Graham officially opened Nhill and District Sporting Club’s new grandstand and changeroom facility on Saturday before a full crowd. The grandstand features 147 seats, including an all-abilities accessible ramp and seating areas, a large media room overlooking the oval, and a corporate room with a sink and storage.

Regional Cities New South Wales (RCNSW) says the Minns Government’s final Budget before the election is a defining moment to address the growing inequity facing regional communities, inequity now being accelerated by the growing national fuel crisis ... RCNSW’s 2026–27 Pre-Budget Submission highlights a widening gap between rapid regional population growth and the infrastructure needed to support it.

The White Cliffs Power Station is the first commercially operated solar thermal power station in NSW and one of the earliest of its kind in the world ... It is a popular tourist attraction and "tourism is an important economic driver for our small communities." The Heritage Council of NSW is thinking about putting the power station on the State Heritage register.

Burton Automotive Hunter Valley Steamfest 2026 is fast approaching, with a packed program set to bring Maitland to life on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 April. Alongside the headline ARTC Rail Program, there’s plenty happening across the city for all-ages.

The Malinauskas Labor Government is fast-tracking new heavy freight reforms to lift productivity and drive down costs, including by delivering a reduction in fuel usage of up to 18 per cent. The reforms will take effect immediately and will see 100 new network maps introduced across state roads in South Australia, unlocking access to more efficient truck and trailer configurations and providing increased operational flexibility.

After an extensive internal renovation, the Corryong Elyne Mitchell Library was officially re-opened at a community event on Saturday. Towong Shire Council mayor, Cr Peter Tolsher, was joined by Colin Morrison (representing the Victorian Department of Government Services) and Honor Auchinleck, the daughter of Elyne Mitchell.

Global investment in data centres is accelerating – and Australia is well-placed to lead – but this must happen on terms that benefit the community and deliver for the national interest. The Albanese Government’s National AI Plan, released in December 2025, sets out our ambition: to harness the benefits of AI while ensuring all Australian’s shares the benefits.

Continence Health Australia is once again on the hunt for Australia’s missing public toilets. The Great Dunny Hunt is back in 2026 to help uncover the hidden toilets and add them to the National Public Toilet Map.

Recent reports of fuel supply concerns and diesel shortages for trucks highlight a serious vulnerability in Australia’s transport system … This situation is a reminder that relying almost entirely on diesel-powered road transport is risky ... Regional railway lines could play an important role in strengthening supply chains.

The Baaka Cultural & Arts Centre is moving into its final stages, and the team is very excited to share they are on track to open in the second half of this year ... The building architect David Kaunitz was also out visiting the Centre on his annual trip with students from the University of Sydney.

A new national report has revealed many regional airports across Australia are operating at a financial loss, with local councils increasingly forced to subsidise infrastructure that regional communities rely on every day ... The survey of regional airports found more than half are operating at a loss, with a median annual deficit of $192,000.

Meat & Livestock Australia has announced the successful completion of an MLA Donor Company AgTech project that has demonstrated reliable and affordable two-way satellite connectivity for livestock and on-farm Internet of Things sensors across Australia. The project was led by eSAT Global, with Smart Paddock providing on-farm visualisation and Viasat delivering satellite connectivity.